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Thursday, December 12, 2013

As I’ve mentioned, Patrick, the staff biologist, showed me the twelve waterbird survey areas on Tuesday. I thought I’d start surveying them yesterday, but it was a dull dismal day that would make identifications difficult. This morning the sun was actually shining, so I headed out to do seven of the sites. Five of the sights aren’t worth doing right now since there’s no water in them, hence, no waterbirds.

As I made my way to a couple of the sites, this vulture was busy doing his job in life. That’s the remains of a cow carcass. It’s pretty well picked clean.

Some of the protocols for this survey are very regimented, and others are not. For example, observations must be made each week from the exact same spot, but the amount of time allowed for each stop is unlimited. The surveys should be done on the same day of each week if possible, but the time of day is up to the observer. Since it can be difficult to identify species while staring directly into the sun, I have the option to do some sites in the morning, and some in the afternoon to allow for best viewing. I like that.

Here’s an example of the terrain I’m doing my observations in. This site is a marsh, while others are moist soil units that don’t have the tall grasses and reeds. Can you find the 24 great egrets in this pic? I would use my binoculars to count these birds, but a spotting scope to check the open waters beyond.

This is a moist soil unit that is literally covered with snow geese. This is only a small part of this 5000 bird flock! At times, just about the whole large flock will burst into the skies and circle around. It is an unforgettable sight, and the cacophony of their honking is almost deafening.

Every year I’ve been at Anahuac NWR, the bird surveys have had different parameters. With this year’s requirements, I have two challenges to work on. First, I need to bone up on my winter shorebird plumages and identification. Those little dudes often take off in a flurry and are gone before you know it. I haven’t been around many shorebirds in a couple of years, so I have some studying to do.

Secondly, I’m not very good yet at estimating how far 300 meters is. When I get to one of the survey sites, I’m to count all birds within a radius of 300 meters. That’s a little less than three football fields, but I just don’t have a feel for how far that is. Along with that is the fact that when using a spotting scope, everything appears much closer of course. Patrick said he’d put out some boundary stakes with an airboat, but that hasn’t happened yet.

I stopped at the VIS when I was done with my seven survey stops, and this vermillion flycatcher presented himself. He’s been hanging around the area for a couple of months. I’m glad he didn’t head elsewhere during the very cold weather we’ve been having.

And then when I was driving home, my eye was caught by something along the side of the road. I had to turn around and go back to be sure it was what I thought it was. Yep, a black-crowned night heron along the ditch. They do most of their feeding at night like owls. It was hunkered down and resting, but don’t you just find that bright red eye fascinating?

So my first bird survey of the season was done. I enjoyed it like I knew I would, but now it’s time to do some homework.

29 comments:

Boy that sounds like a great job. It's one I'm not qualified for but I'd sure like to go along as your student. A 5000 bird flock circling overhead seems unbelievable to me. What a joy to behold. You are one lucky bird! And how in the world did you get that THE END picture??

What a day...I am so happy for you. I can hear the excitement in your writing. The vermillion flycatcher is a beauty, but I'm with you, the black-crowned night heron is the picture of the day...how did you sneak up it in your car? Just amazing!

Some day, some way or another Peg and I have to find ourselves at a refuge with a couple birders like you who actually KNOW their birds. We REALLY need some help. Right now I'm not sure we're making any progress in that direction -- I think we need to see ourselves right here for the next 12 months at least, but maybe on our days off we'll get out and start doing some birding. Thanks, Judy, for the inspiration!

Cheers,PeterA retired photographer looks at life from behind an RV steering wheel.Life Unscripted

Great post. I'd like to learn more about volunteering like you do. Is there a website I can go to to do that? Love your photos; they're gorgeous.Also, I just noticed today that we're not too far apart. Darn, if I'd known I would have driven down there to meet you. Now I'm leaving on Sunday for Louisiana ...

Loved your post! Got up to 22. The snow geese will be up here in the northwest in mid- to late January. In fact, we have a snow goose festival here in the Stanwood/Camano Island area at the time they arrive. We love our snow geese and trumpeter swans here in the Skagit Valley!

When I visited Bosque del Apache in NM a few years ago, snow geese were abundant as well as sandhill cranes! The noise was almost deafening when they all took off! What a sight to see! Here, at Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota FL, I photographed a spoonbill with a gator headed it's way. But no way is it as tack sharp and well composed as your images! I was so excited at what I was viewing, I forgot the monopod and 300mm lens. LOL! Good job with your camera and your survey!